Congo is negotiating with the South African mining company, Exxaro, and other financial institutions to raise 200 billion F CFA for the rehabilitation of 285 kilometres of railway linking Mont-Bello and Mbinda in the Niari department, southern Congo.
“Given the critical condition of this railway line, F CFA 200 billion is needed for its rehabilitation. On equity, we will not be capable of securing such investment. That is why we are negotiating with potential investors,” Jean-Jacques Bouya, the Congolese Minister of Landuse Planning and the General Delegation for Major Works, told MPs Tuesday.
The railway line is part and parcel of the Congo-Ocean railway system and is in a state of dilapidation that makes traffic difficult.
To improve services along the Congo-Ocean Railway (CFCO), 10 locomotives are expected to be acquired this year from the state budget.
Exxaro has already imported eight locomotives and 60 cars.
